5 Job Interview Do's and
Don'ts
By Daryl Hannah/Courtesy
of DiversityInc
Not sure you'll fit in at that company? Afraid
you'll blow the interview because you didn't go to
the same schools or have the same background as the
interviewer and most of the people at that company?
DiversityInc has compiled a list of five Do's and
Don'ts to help you ace your interview and land that
job.
No. 1: Do Your Homework. The only thing that will
make the interview jitters go away is preparation.
Being familiar with the company's mission and what
it holds as most important will build your
confidence and ultimately help you answer questions
better. "Know a lot about the workplace before
coming in for the interview," says Eliza Byard,
deputy executive director for the Gay, Lesbian and
Straight Education Network (GLSEN).
Research the company's antidiscrimination policy.
This helps you ensure this is a company you want as
an employer. "I tell my students to use their
interview time to really get a feel for the
environment," says Yolande Johnson, director of the
Career Placement Center at Bennett College for
Women.
No. 2: Don't Lie. Despite what your gut or that
little devil over your shoulder tells you, honesty
is always the best policy. "You want to make sure
the interviewer is drawing the right conclusion.
Describe that honestly and openly," Kathy Haskins,
vice president of human resources at Blue Cross and
Blue Shield of Florida (No. 15 on The 2007
DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for DiversityŽ list),
told DiversityInc.
For information about answering questions that are
inappropriate, read 5 Questions Job Interviewers
Never Should Ask ... And How to Answer Them
No. 3: Do Be Upfront. As a member of an
underrepresented group, disclosure is often a big
issue. When is the best time to discuss orientation?
When is the best time to reveal a disability? The
answer is: Whenever you decide. It is very important
to be comfortable with your decision to offer such
sensitive information.
For applicants with disabilities, putting your
disability in your cover letter is an option--but
you must be aware of potential ramifications, warns
Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities
Executive Director Alan Muir. "This option can be
positive but most likely will be negative. If you
have leadership and work experience, this option may
not work against you, but it certainly will not
absolve you from the burden of discussing it," says
Muir.
Read
More
© Babbalu.com, All rights reserved. No original content articles on this site can be reproduced by any means, print, electronic or any other, without prior written permission of Babbalu.com. |
